Mike was born on September 8th, 1957 in Eldarado, Illinois. His parents are Lony McHaney (deceased) and Shirley McHaney.  Mike’s mother and father were raised and graduated from high school in Odin, Marion County, Illinois.  Mike’s grandparents lived and worked in Odin and Salem, Illinois.

Mike’s father, Lony retired as the principal at Dr. Andy Hall Grade School in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Lony McHaney was the founding member of the Jefferson County Schools Federal Credit Union.  Shirley McHaney retired as the chairperson of the Allied Health Department at Rend Lake College.  Mike’s sister, Tammy is a teacher at Lake Forest High School and the recently retired coach of the 5 time state champion Lake Forest Scouts Women’s Field Hockey Team.

Mike and his wife Laura reside in Salem, Illinois and have four grown children; Timothy of Chicago; Meghan, a graduate student at University of Illinois; Colin, a member of the Illinois National Guard; and Daniel, a senior at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

When Mike is not on the bench, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading and playing a little golf.

Educational Accomplishments:

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Southern Illinois University, 1979
• Juris Doctor, Southern Illinois University School of Law, 1982

Professional:

• Giamanco & Wexstten (associate)
• Special Assistant Attorney General
• Jefferson County Public Defender
• Costa & McHaney (partner)
• Costa, McHaney & Gamber (partner)
• Mitchell, Neubauer, Shaw & Hanson (associate)
• Law Office of Michael D. McHaney
• Issuing Agent for Attorney’s Title Guaranty
• Marion County Public Defender
• Rend Lake College (lecturer)
• Kaskaskia College (lecturer)
• Peoples Law School (lecturer)
• 24 years advocating in criminal and civil jury trials in state and federal courts.

Public Office(s) held:

• Appointed Circuit Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, at Large (effective July 3, 2010).
• Democrat nominee for Circuit Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, at Large
• Retained as an Associate Judge, 2007
• Associate Judge, 2006
• Marion County Public Defender, 1998-2006
• Summersville Grade School Board Member

Published Writings:

• “How to Sue & Defend a Small Claims Case without a Lawyer”, 1985

Bar Association and Activities:

• Illinois Judges Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• American Bar Association
• Illinois Lawyers for Criminal Justice
• Marion County Bar Association President, 2003
• Jefferson County Bar Association President, 1985